Today is National Hugging Day, and what better way to celebrate than with Arendelle’s most huggable snowman, Olaf? As you may know, warm hugs are one of Olaf’s favorite things, and now during “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park, guests can get a warm hug from our favorite snowman himself at “Olaf’s Snow Fest.” While you’re there, make sure to explore more of Olaf’s favorite things:

Visiting Friends: Make sure to grab a Return Time ticket for “Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome” to give warm hugs to Anna and Elsa, two of Olaf’s best friends, on National Hugging Day.

Eating: From a build-your-own snowman cookie kit to Warm Hugs Hot White Chocolate (with delicious mint marshmallows!), there are lots of tasty new treats to try at “Olaf’s Snow Fest.”

Drawing: Do you want to draw a snowman? Spend some time in the Animation Academy, located inside the Animation Building, where aspiring artists will learn how to draw either Marshmallow or Olaf.

Dancing: “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party” is the perfect place to dance the night away, but don’t forget to check out all this ‘cool’ party has to offer! Ice sculptors, dancers and the not-so-huggable snowman Marshmallow are all invited to this nighttime celebration.

Want to take some warm hugs home with you? Stop by Wandering Oaken’s Trading Post to grab your very own Olaf plush and take a peek at the rest of the “Frozen Fun” merchandise available.

Last week, we shared our Disneyland park must-do’s … and I’ve got to say, you all had some pretty good things to share. This week, let’s head over to Disney California Adventure park. These are my must-do’s – share yours in the comments!

Carthay Circle Restaurant is an amazing place to eat – the beautiful restaurant, the delicious food. But if you only have time for a quick stop, I recommend the downstairs lounge. I love the vintage-inspired cocktails.

This is a brand-new addition to my list. “Frozen Fun” includes so much to do – and my favorite is “Olaf’s Snow Fest.” I grew up in Florida and now I live in Southern California, so playing in the snow is a genuine novelty for me.

Did you think I was going to say Radiator Springs Racers? Well yeah, that’s an obvious one, but my absolute favorite attraction in Cars Land is Mater’s Junkyard Jamboree. It’s surprisingly intense but still great for kids … a perfect Disney Parks attraction.

Even though it’s closed for refurbishment right now, this nighttime spectacular remains on the list. It’s continued to evolve throughout its nearly five-year run, and I’m amazed by it every time I see it.

That’s my list. Share yours!

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc. and used with permission pursuant to a license with CBS, Inc.

UPDATE: This event has reached capacity and confirmation emails are being sent. If you were not able to register – don’t worry! We’ll have details to share soon on how you can follow along with the event here on the Disney Parks Blog.

I’ve got a special opportunity to tell you about today! A limited number of Disney Parks Blog readers have been invited to join a special event on Wednesday, January 28, at the Disneyland Resort. At this event, guests will get a look at what we have in store for this year’s Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration, marking the 60th anniversary of Disneyland.

You may have seen our new commercial highlighting “Frozen Fun” here at the Disneyland Resort. If you haven’t, take a look below. It’s a magical melding of classic Disneyland Resort attractions and the newest member of our Disney family, “Frozen,” in which some of your favorite attraction residents are singing “First Time in Forever” and inviting you to “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park.

The Disney Parks Blog had a crew on the set, as the commercial was being shot after hours here at the Disneyland Resort. This video takes you behind the scenes of the shoot and introduces you to some of the creative team behind it. Enjoy!

I’m often asked for tips from family and friends who are planning Disneyland Resort visits. They want to know what to see, what to do and how to make the most of their trips. There are so many ways that my creative and thoughtful fellow cast members have developed to help make your visit easier and even more enjoyable, so today I’d like to highlight a few of them.

1. Disney eTicket

When you purchase park tickets through the Disneyland Resort mobile site, you can simply scan your Disney eTicket directly from your mobile device right at the park turnstile. No need to print anything or visit the ticket booth! Learn more about the Disneyland Resort mobile site here.

2. Online dining reservations

This is one that I use all the time. Making dining reservations at the Disneyland Resort is super easy – especially when you book online at Disneyland.com. Bookmark this page and use it whenever you need to reserve a table!

3. “Fantasmic!” and “World of Color” FASTPASS and dining packages

This is one that will save you a lot of time. “World of Color” at Disney California Adventure park and “Fantasmic!” at Disneyland park now both feature reserved and stand-by viewing as well as several dining packages. These reserved viewing options give guests more time to enjoy other entertainment and attractions across the Disneyland Resort. Learn more about the new “Fantasmic!” viewing options here.

4. Disneyland Today

Got a question? Need more tips? Disneyland Today is a social media program that answers questions and provides real-time tips and updates for both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks, the Downtown Disney District and the three hotels of the Disneyland Resort.

5. Disneyland.com

The official website of the Disneyland Resort is an incredible resource for information when you’re planning your visit. In addition to being your go-to for dining reservations (see #2), Disneyland.com has park hours, Entertainment schedules, attraction height requirements and so much more.

What are your tips for visiting the Disneyland Resort? Share them in the comments!

Good morning from Cars Land! You have to be here pretty early in the morning to see a sight like this – the sun rising over Ornament Valley and the businesses along Route 66. But sometimes our guests do get to see the sunrise here … especially those who have braved 24 hours here at the Disneyland Resort during our special events the past few years. So, those of you who have seen it, tell me … where is your favorite spot to watch the sunrise here at the Disneyland Resort?

Those of us who visit Disneyland park a lot are often asked, “What is something you [or I] must do at the park?” I’ve given this some thought, so I wanted to share my own personal list of Disneyland park must-do’s. Now, I know this is a very personal list – it will vary for each person. So, let me know in the comments … what is your own must-do list for Disneyland park? Hold on, Disney California Adventure park fans – that’s for another time!

Sometimes my visit begins with the classic grand circle tour, and sometimes that’s how it ends. Sometimes it’s in the middle, whatever – the point is that no visit is complete for me without a ride on the Disneyland Railroad.

Yes, I chose to go to Adventureland first and yes, I walked right past Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room and the Jungle Cruise – both of which I’ve loved ever since I wore acid wash denim and permed my hair. But if a choice has to be made, I’ve got to ride Indiana Jones Adventure. Feel free to discuss.

We’re kicking off 2015 at the Disneyland Resort with a special ticket offer exclusively for Southern California residents! For a limited time – beginning today – So Cal residents may purchase the special park tickets with options for two or three days of magic and adventure at special prices. It’s the best way to experience the new “Frozen Fun” at Disney California Adventure park – officially open today – and also to enjoy the classic attractions and entertainment throughout the Disneyland Resort.

Southern California residents may use the special tickets to visit one park per day (either park) or purchase Park Hopper tickets for a two- or three-day period. The offer has four purchase options: a 2-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $139; a 2-day Park Hopper ticket for $178; a 3-day ticket with choice of one park per day for $169, or a 3-day Park Hopper for $208. With these limited-time tickets, Southern California residents have the flexibility to make memories with family and friends over two or three days, from January 7 through May 21, 2015.* (Dates blocked are March 20 – April 4, 2015.) The sooner you purchase your tickets, the more time you will have to return for a second or third visit!

Also beginning today, “Frozen Fun” will be offered for a limited time at Disney California Adventure park, and includes “Anna & Elsa’s Royal Welcome,” an elegant location inside the Disney Animation building for Anna and Elsa to receive visitors. Guests may reserve a time to meet them with a Return Time Ticket, available just outside the Animation building. Elsewhere in the Disney Animation building, guests at the Animation Academy will be asked “Do You Want to Draw a Snowman?” – with an Olaf drawing experience.

Another element of “Frozen Fun” is “For the First Time in Forever – A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration,” which transforms the Muppet*Vision 3D Theatre into the Crown Jewel Theatre of Arendelle. Next door, in Stage 17, “Olaf’s Snow Fest” creates a winter scene where guests may meet and share warm hugs with Olaf. A giant play area with real snow encourages guests of all ages to build snow creations and zip down a snow slide. (Note: “Olaf’s Snow Fest” concludes April 30, 2015.) After dark, just outside the entrance to “Olaf’s Show Fest,” the area transforms into “Freeze the Night! A Family Dance Party.” Guests can join an interactive party that celebrates all things “Frozen” with music, games, photo opportunities, drinks and snacks and ice sculptors.

In addition to “Frozen Fun” at Hollywood Land in Disney California Adventure park, guests can also experience the magic of the Disney animated blockbuster “Frozen” with an all-new stage show beginning today at Fantasy Faire in Disneyland park. Mr. Smythe and Mr. Jones have put their unique spin on the “Frozen” story, adapting it for the Royal Theatre and featuring Anna, Elsa and the Faire Maidens. Also beginning today, guests may use Disney FASTPASS to reserve a showtime at the Royal Theatre. Anna and Elsa also will also again make daily pre-parade appearances on their own float immediately preceding “Mickey’s Soundsational Parade” in Disneyland park.

Special Southern California Resident tickets can be purchased at Disneyland.com/tickets, Disney Stores, Vons and other retail locations, as well as any Disneyland Resort ticket booth. Guests who purchase tickets online may print their tickets at home. When purchased in advance, 3-day tickets include one Magic Morning** early entry to Disneyland park, which provides an extra hour of play on select days before the park opens to the general public. This benefit is not available to tickets purchased at Disneyland Resort ticket booths. For restrictions, visit http://Disneyland.com/2days.

*So Cal Resident Ticket:
Valid only for Southern California residents within ZIP codes 90000-93599 and Northern Baja California residents within ZIP codes 21000-22999; proof of residency is required for purchase and admission. 2-Day, 1-Park Per Day ticket is valid for admission for two (2) days to either Disneyland® or Disney California Adventure® park, but not to both parks on the same day. 2-Day Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® ticket is valid for admission for two (2) days to both Disneyland® and Disney California Adventure® park on the same day. 3-Day, 1-Park Per Day ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to either Disneyland or Disney California Adventure park, but not to both parks on the same day. 3-Day Disneyland Resort Pak Hopper ticket is valid for admission for three (3) days to both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure park on the same day. Each day of use constitutes one full day of use. Tickets expire May 21, 2015. Blockout days of 3/20/15-4/4/15 apply. May purchase up to 5 tickets per person per day with valid ID. Tickets may not be sold or transferred for commercial use. Offer may not be combined with other ticket discounts or promotions. Tickets not valid before 1/7/15. Subject to capacity, restrictions and change without notice.

**Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour:
Magic Morning admission allows admission into selected attractions at Disneyland® Park before the park opens to the general public on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday. Each Guest must have valid, eligible theme park admission. Disneyland Resort Hotel guest Extra Magic Hour currently allows registered Disneyland Resort hotel guess admission into select attractions at Disneyland Park on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and Disney California Adventure Park on Sunday, Monday Wednesday and Friday before the applicable park opens to the general public. Upon hotel check-in, guests will receive a schedule or be informed of when each park offers Extra Magic Hour. Each registered hotel guest (ages3 and older) must have a valid theme park ticket and active hotel room key card. To enhance the Magic Morning or Extra Magic Hour experience, it is strongly recommended that Guests arrive at least one hour and 15 minutes prior to regular park opening. Magic Morning and Extra Magic Hour admissions are based on availability and capacity. Applicable theme park, days and times of operation and all other elements including, but not limited to, operation of attractions, entertainment, stores and restaurants and appearances of characters may vary and are subject to change without notice. Subject to restrictions and cancellation.

Whether I’m waiting for the parade, people watching or just taking a break, one thing I love to do when I visit the Disneyland Resort is to find the perfect spot to try one of the tasty treats from our nearby candy kitchens. As you can see, some of my favorite treats include our hand-crafted English Toffee, Pecan and Peanut Brittle, Peanut Clusters, Dark Chocolate Pineapple skewers and amazing apples. These of course, are just a few of the classic choices amidst the many others that will delight your taste buds on your next visit. So where are some of the ‘sweetest’ places to enjoy them? A few of my top picks are across from King Arthur Carrousel, near the Haunted Mansion, Mickey’s Toontown and Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki Room, to name a few.

There’s nothing our Creative Entertainment team enjoys more than producing amazing live entertainment for our guests. Here are just a few of the new experiences that debuted in Disney Parks around the world in 2014:

Seasonal Celebrations at Disneyland Paris – Already known for their festivals at Halloween and Christmas, Disneyland Paris took it up two notches this year with lively celebrations of spring and summer. “Swing Into Spring” and “Summertime” brought fresh, new promenades and shows to Main Street and the Castle Stage, along with character appearances and live music throughout both parks at the resort.

Nighttime Spectaculars – Disney Parks dazzled after dark in 2014 with the introduction of several new nighttime spectaculars. The award-winning “Once Upon a Time” came to Tokyo Disneyland in summer, and the new “Disney Paint the Night” Parade lit up Hong Kong Disneyland in October. At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, nightly “Symphony in the Stars” fireworks debuted during Star Wars Weekends, and even more “Frozen” fun was added to “World of Color – Winter Dreams” at Disney California Adventure park and “Disney Dreams… of Christmas” in Disneyland Paris.

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